Like so many fields now, there is a distinct intersection with technology as new innovation improves how we work and how we live. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, freight and logistics are obvious fields where technology has significantly changed the landscape with new innovations. Automobiles being another. In fact, I cannot think of a single industry that has not been impacted by technology. The once humble mechanic now needs to know more about how to read the outputs of a computer query then knowing how to change a carbonator.

The Arts are not immune to technological progress. Earlier this week I attended the 2021 VCE Art Show here at St Catherine’s, admiring the pieces and talent of our students’ work. Nothing was more obvious to me while studying the displays than the use of technology in the Art.

One display that particularly resonated with me was by Maggie Dryden (Year 11) titled, ‘Even with your glasses on, I am still just a blurred vision’. It was a collection of photos depicting a blurred person walking past a perfectly focused park bench. I can appreciate the amount of work it took and the number of photos required – as well as the hours in post editing – to produce this piece of art. I tip my hat to you Maggie – if I was wearing one.

Artwork: Maggie Dryden, Year 11, Media 3&4, ‘Blurred Vision’

Year 12 students, Isabella Bufé and Isabella Horner also used a blend of photography with their pieces, and layering techniques no doubt complied by a software application. Clearly the standard of works by all the students would hold their own in the National Gallery of Victoria. Being a photography hobbyist myself, I was keenly interested to see digital images produced by students, and was even able to identify some of the technology used behind some of the pieces. In fact, photography and film was quite a predominate medium used throughout the Art Exhibition.

It raises the question, what happens when art collides with technology? Does the use of technology in Art take away the creativeness of the artist or does it open more possibilities? Would you admire a masterpiece canvas painting more so over a digital creation where technology has obviously been used? The true beauty of Art lies in the eye of the beholder. Some will like and appreciate the journey of the creation, and others will simply admire what appeals to them. There is no right or wrong. There is simply an admiration that talent comes in may forms and is expressed in a variety of ways.

I have always admired the more traditional art forms such as the sculptor and those who can sketch freehand. Likewise, musicians who can make a saxophone sing by blowing air into a mouth piece. For most of my life I felt rather empty believing I had about as much talent as a garden hose. Until I discovered digital photography and found a way to express myself through the medium of photos.

Today’s artists are implementing the latest digital technologies to create works that would have been impossible only a few years ago. For many artists, the process of creating something is just as much a work of art as the finished product. Just imagine for one moment what Michelangelo or Frida Kahlo could have accomplished with their talent if they had access to more modern innovations and technologies? Not that I am suggesting they are not great artists! History will attest to that.

Artists create their vision using the appropriate technologies available to them at the time. For Michelangelo, that was scaffolding and a fresco technique which at the time was cutting edge technology. And let’s be honest, would the Sistine Chapel ceiling depicting the creation of Adam go down as one of the greatest feats in history if it was a 3D painting or a digital laser show?

I feel rather blessed to work for a School where I can personally witness the talents of our young minds. What they produce never fails to astound me. Congratulations to all our Art students and to their dedicated teachers, led by Mrs Marinelli, who all worked from home for most of the year and still produced an amazing collection of art work. I tip my hat (again) to you all. And finally, I know what I want for Christmas. A new hat!